cedar-rapids-review

Outer Edge Screen Printing Co.

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 05:01:38 GMT

The Outer Edge Screen Printing Co.

Outer Edge Screen-printing Company

While browsing Facebook, I found a T-Shirt and stuff Screen-printers in Van Horne, IA. Everyone that knows me, knows that I like the mom-and-pop companies and the little guy businesses. This is one of those! I was checking out their Facebook site and notice the horrific damage they endured during the Derecho. Now, I had to call them.

When I called, one of the owners, Kim, answered and I began the interview. I asked all the normal questions, when did you start? Kim says, 16 years ago with her husband, he was partnered 10 years prior and decided he wanted to be independent business owners with me, his wife.

We then had to discuss the Covid pandemic and the hindering effects of it on the company. Kim said she had six employees standing by her to assist where and when she needed assistance. These employees where not going to leave her!

Now, here comes the nasty storm that took over businesses all over the state of Iowa in a day! She explained the different world she was in for six to eight weeks. Her husband and her were constantly running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to run any sort of business. They were missing a roof over a huge part of the mechanics space and had to cover any machines when it rained or started to storm. She said she is an incredibly lucky person and was lucky to have a company like the company she has, the help rolled in. They had a plumber, we knew an electrician, we knew a roofer, we knew a gutter guy so everything that needed repaired, we knew someone. It was like we had our own little family.

We got a roof after about a week. Which was good because we started getting a little bit busy for the holidays. I was able to bring back a couple of the staff that we could, we kept having to stop doing the repairs, because we cannot have drywall dust floating around when you are doing screen printing. The shirts, the screens, and equipment could not be near the dust.

We are constantly trying to figure out where we want to be. Our children are graduating and moving away, one in Michigan and one in the Air Force. We know that our staff can keep the business running while we walk away for holidays, birthdays, and anything else that comes up. Figuring out the staff situation is the tricky part. It sucks they are not employed right now, but they are still there when we need them. Those are the kind of things that are going to be a challenge. They have all been given the opportunity to go elsewhere, but none of them have wanted to, so they are still waiting for that call.

I ask the question, why no website? Kim says that they have a website name but that they make people and businesses so happy that they get their business from word of mouth. She says she likes who and how many people she helps. They are busy enough and can not wait for the business to return.

Arbor Advantage Cedar Rapids

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 04:10:47 GMT

Arbor Advantage Cedar Rapids

I had the privilege to speak with Dan Griffin with Arbor Advantage in Cedar Rapids, IA today about his profession, an arborist. I have been following Dan for a couple of months and I have learned a lot about trees. I never realize insects can really cause a lot of damage. Dan sees the damage and he knows the actions to fix these sick trees.

Dan started his company in 2016. He enjoys the free health care he has given the trees over the last few years. He improved the trees life and uses his arborist certification to the fullest!

I did ask Dan how Covid-9 has affected his work and time spent helping these trees and he said his business has gone up. I am sure people are stuck at home and have the time to look around and notice the trees in their yard a lot clearer. Dan said the arborist notoriety had hindered him for a while, but he has surpassed the negative thought about arborist and turned them into just wanting to protect nature.

We started talking about his top priorities he has being an arborist. His number one is the well being and health of the trees he takes care of. He enjoys educating the customers and meeting all their newly educated goals. It is obvious he cares a lot about making all this affordable for his new customers.

He did mention the significant effect the internet has had on his new customers and feels he may have had a bigger following the first year if he would have had a better web presence. Now thou he feels his attention to his customers and the quality of work, sets him apart from his competition. The word of mouth has also set him apart from the others, Dan does this because he wants to for the accomplished feeling he gets when he saves a tree.

He would like to be able to eventually, step up to just the trees and do what he enjoys, educating people of these amazing living things, and giving everyone the possibility to enjoy them for years to come.

Sunrise Builders Cedar Rapids

Sat, 23 Jan 2021 14:24:04 GMT

When did you start your company though?

April, 2017

Why did you start your company?

It really came down to the truth that I want to progress and being an employee did not seem like progression. I was progressing as an employee, I was a great employee, but I could see there was a cap at a certain point. It was all I could do and, I found I just wanted to kind of control my own time. And one thing that I am discovering is, I can control my own time, but at the same time, you know, a lot more responsibilities, but it is just more freeing I can do what I want and connect with who I want.

Has COVID hindered you at all?

No, in fact, I was in Waverly in the process of moving to Cedar Rapids at that time, and business was picking up. Despite COVID and then the storm hit in Cedar Rapids, after I moved in. I cannot say it has, I mean obviously the storm helped, but I cannot say that COVID hindered anything. I think , with people being at home more it actually inspired more calls as they had more time to notice things at home.

Has the internet assisted you in your business?

Yes here and there, I mean the bulk of the business is word of mouth. Well, a lead came in from Facebook and nothing came from that. Then that person, told someone else so it’s kind of spiraled from there. It was more word of mouth, then internet. I know that for what I invest into it, is pretty much what is get which is not that much, so I guess to answer your question if the Internet has helped my business. I feel it has, however I don’t feel like it has been or is a make or break factor at this time.

If you could, what would you do if anything different, if you could have done things differently. I mean based on how your company is set up right now. Would you've have done anything different?

Well, fast forward 2-3 years we will likely look back to today and see things that could have been done differently, it’s a constant progression. Just looking back, I would from startup, I would. Because when I started off, I was primarily doing work for other contractors, so that is one thing I would do differently. I would right out of the gate focus on connecting with homeowners and servicing them instead of through other contractors. With that said, everything has it’s place and time and I can’t complain about where everything has lead to and the progress we’re seeing.

If you look a year down the road. Where are you at?

I would say, right now I am in home, so it is to have an actual office. Move from in home office to outside office with 1-3 people in office. Of course with the increasing virtual lifestyle, there’s an unlikely possibility to have individuals working from home. Hopefully in a year, I will have it where somebody is there to help me manage projects and meet with homeowners. Personally I would like to meet with every homeowner and manage every project, however growth is limited from that aspect. So the goal is to bring someone on board who will represent the company well with honesty, integrity and putting the client first.

Cookies By Carrie

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 20:35:23 GMT

Cedar Rapids Bakery for Gluten-Free Cookies

Carrie started Cookies by Carrie in January of 2020. She was making cookies for family and friends in the beginning, and she specializes in gluten-free cookies because of family members' need for them. Once May came around and Covid didn't want to leave anytime soon, she was laid off.

Fortunately, she can make some amazing cookies and always wanted to have a cookie making business, it worked out perfect. She started the business to make an income and to keep her time occupied. As of now she is staying busy by word of mouth but will soon branch out getting a website to show off her beautiful cookies. She made one comment I thought was very true, "Everyone loves cookies especially homemade cookies."

I asked if she is going to go back to work? She said, "It all depends on how the cookie sales go. As of right now, it's a great stress reliever and I can zone everything else out." I did ask if she eats all of the cookies and has to taste test them, and she said, "only the ones that fall off the plate, haha, and my husband is the taste tester." And this is why I personally don't make cookies at all because I would be the one eating all of them, regardless if they fell on the floor.

I asked if and when things go back to normal, what is the plan. She said, "I am optimistic and I think everything will go back to as normal as possible. As for the cookie business, I think we will all have the ability to eat them for a long time."

If you want to order some great cookies, find Carrie on Facebook, @cookiesbycarrie1.

Custom Motorcycle Repair Shop

ldswartzendruber@gmail.com (Lore Swartzendruber) — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 17:31:24 GMT

Carlson Customs & Repair

*When did you start your company, Carlson Customs?

In 1991.

*What made you want to start a business in the first place?

Really and truly it was a tax write off for my racing, drag racing. It was a very good reason to do it then.

*When you opened up shop, what was the toughest thing you had to deal with?

Basically learning all of the new stuff as it comes out and how to charge people to work their motorcycles.

That's tricky and having to and knowing what to charge people, the main thing.

I was so used to helping and working just for buddies and stuff, never charged anybody before.

*Have you had any big breakthroughs or accomplishments since starting in 1991?

I have been featured in three magazines. One was for the custom bike I built for a customer, my wide tire kits and custom

26' rims on a Harley.

The manufacturing parts of like the swingarm and stuff like that, I've been doing that since the mid-90s.

*Very cool, so what is the 'wide tire kit?'

Yeah. The wide tire kit. The first one I did, I did for myself because I wanted one. And then everybody saw my bike and had to have it, so I just started building the kit. Now, you can find my custom tire kits, all over the world.

I should really make a map that shows all of the locations that they are sold in, a lot of different countries.

Just to show that this is where my tire went, and this is where my other tires go to the distributors in France and Italy.

Selling them over there, I've got two kits on Aruba, and one on the island named Cyprus, just a little island.

*That's awesome, man.

I want to go to this island, just to check my stuff out.

*Having your business during 2020 this last year. How'd your business do?

Pretty good. Just had to make adjustments for dealing with the customers. Having the masks, you know, getting people not wanting to get too close, social distancing, and stuff like that. But other than that we did

pretty good, people wanted to still have their bikes to getaway.

*How are you bringing in new people?

How am I bringing in new people? Um, word of mouth. 90% is word of mouth and 10% website.

I get new people, darn near every week.

*That is one thing I have heard, 'you are the best.'

*Which pretty much answer my next question too, which is, does the internet plays a big role?

After getting a website make-over from Creative Marketing Agents, I'm sure this is going to make my year even better

my new website is amazing.

*I notice you're right in there doing everything. Why don't you step back some and be more of a passive owner,

and just hire people to do it.

Mainly because everybody wants me to do the work. Yeah, that's the main reason I've tried employees, but customers,

want to make sure that I'm doing the repairs and updates. You know the trust level, the Harley guys for example want to know who's working on their motorcycle.

*Oh yeah, definitely. That's a good point. Very good point.

Great Ristorante

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 20:41:41 GMT

Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan's Bar Cedar Rapids, IA

Many people I have talked to, have enjoyed the amazing food and views of the former Popoli's Ristorante & Sullivan's Bar. The food was delicate and full of flavor. Many people I have talked to have tried to, with not much luck, recreate the meals they enjoyed there. I have to say my husband and I have attempted to re-invent the Salmon and Asparagus on many occasions. The building is in the National Register of Historic Places and was originally designed by the famous architect, Louis Sullivan for Peoples Bank in 1910. The restaurant kept to most of the original rooms and had restored the rooms to peak after the floods of 2008. While you order and enjoy the company, you also have many other original parts of the building to admire as well. The Iconic Vault Room and Doors, the Murals, the Stained Glass, the Chandeliers, the Teller Bars, the Marble, were just a few of the architectural beauties to admire. It is sad to see that Covid 19 has taken its toll on this company, and many more. Plus dining in the vault room was an experience in its self. Knowing you were sitting and eating in a place that they stored the town's money and valuables from that time, was amazing. Everyone I have spoken to hope that Popoli's will be back. You will be missed, loved and we will all be excited for you to come back.

A Party Bus Company in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:59:51 GMT

Learn about CR Party Bus.com

Crpartybus.com is a party bus company in Cedar Rapids . We have served Eastern Iowa with an important service of getting you and your party to and from the bars and events safely. You no longer need to wait on an Uber or Cab. Those vehicles will not be able to hold your whole party anyway. This way you and your group can all travel together and not worry about who is driving.

We got our first party bus in 2011 and started CR Party Bus.com. Ever since we started, the phone has been ringing off the hook. "I used you for my prom, I am now getting married, what could I get for a bachelorette party?" We get that question so often that we have added buses to our fleet continually. Adding, replacing, and upgrading that's our way.

Bachelor/Bachelorette parties:

Everyone needs one before the big plunge of getting and being married. The last chance to be free and have excusable fun for the last time. We are your transportation to have a worry-free night of party, friends, and drinking!! We will get your group to the parties safe and on time. You supply us with your night events, times, and locations, we will get you there! We also have fun decorating and stocking your bus with the needs for the night. You supply us, a couple of days in advance, your drinks and anything you want in the vehicle and we will make sure all is chilled and ready for your night! Personalization is what we strive for, your party, your details!

School Dances, Prom, Homecoming:

Your teenager is one of our pickiest customers. We know it and love the details and décor we get to put into these party buses!! Color coordination to match your school colors is a given. We also supply bottled water and anything you drop off to stock the bus with. Pop and snacks are a good start. And to the parents, we are very strict, we make sure no other bottles are brought into the bus. We have a very straight forward rule of underage drinking, mom and dad get called and told to come to pick up your kids. We do not tolerate underage anything on our buses!

Night Out:

The sporting event has you and your buddies out as a big group fighting over who is going to drive? Call us and we will be your dd. If it's a company event, or just a night with the boys, we got you covered. Bring your drinks and enjoy the night or tailgate at the Iowa Hawkeye football game. Take a trip up the river, float down the river, and your party bus will be there to pick you up and get you back home safely. Give them a call and find out how you can have an affordable night out, on the town or the bus.

Limos of Cedar Rapids Interview

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:55:43 GMT

Here is what they have to say ...

I started this company in June of 2014. My wife and I went to our friend's wedding. Their limo did not show up. The company did a no call, no show on the biggest day of their lives. We looked at each other and decided on making a huge life change. We never looked back and have made all of our brides and grooms happy. The toughest thing we had to deal with was the knowledge of the limo world and the process of choosing a limo in Cedar Rapids in style. Party time, sophisticated, fun fun fun? We had to sit down and question our target customers! And that is what we did. We went to companies, wedding venues, airport limo , and high schools. The information we gathered was a lifesaver. The internet has made everything a little easier. Contacting clients and verifying information is done in little or no time. Being able to instantly publicize purchases, new vehicles, and testimonials, we find to be a must. I have tried the more passive owner, but I enjoy driving. If I am the driver I know how everything is going well. Plus have you ever drove a wedding party around after the "I dos." It is a lot of fun with the passengers' energy, it is thrilling. Everything with the company right now is very slow due to the pandemic. We have the same fears and worry that all of the small businesses have right now. We see a light and I think we will get to it soon.